Sights in Essaouira

Bab Doukkala

The main thoroughfare of Essaouira is a street with three names. It leaves the harbor as the Avenue Okba Ibn Nafi, it later becomes the Avenue de Istiqlal and ends up as the Rue Mohammed Zerktouni.

At the east end of the medina, this main road reaches Bab Doukkala, one of three town gates. In the afternoon, crowds gather outside the Bab Doukkala to watch storytellers and musicians perform.

Watchtower (Horloge)

On the Avenue Okba Ibn Nafi, you cannot miss the watchtower. It looms before you after you pass through Bab as-Sebaâ.

It is unique and beautiful as well as a useful landmark.

The habour

Essaouira’s history as a maritime trading center dates back to the time of Hanno, a Carthaginian Admiral circa 465 B.C.
The harbor sits on the jetty that stretches from the beginning of Avenue Okba Ibn Nafi.
To reach it, you pass the customs house or you lead through the Marine door, which was built in 1764.

The area around the harbor is one of the liveliest in Essaouira. In the afternoon the activity reaches a frenzy, as the fishermen return to unload their catch. 
Arrive around 4pm and, with a bit of bargaining, you can bring home some of the day’s catch for yourself. There is also a fish auction in the late morning. In June, the sardine fishery opens in Essaouira.

Perhaps the most fascinating is to watch the fishermen at their craft. Seeing them building their boats or repairing their nets makes you feel like time has stopped.
Heading back towards the medina, you will find a number of open-air restaurants that serve seafood grilles over hot embers.
They are open from midday to sunset everyday.

Scala du Port

Adults 10 DH
Children  (less than 12 years) 3 DH
school classes 2 DH

To see some photos, please click here!



Scala de la Kasbah

Heading north along “Rue de la Sqala”, away from the Place Moulay Hassan you will come to the access point for the ramparts of the old Portuguese fort. The ramparts are still “protected” by towers and some very well maintained 18th and 19th century bronze cannons.

They date to as early as 1743 and were cast in Spain.
At the fort of the wall is a cluster of handicraft shops selling wooden objects made from the renowned Thuya tree.

Thuya is Essaouira’s most important artisanal product and can be found all over town.
Also on the way to the “Sqala de Kasbah”, on the “Rue Laaloui”, you will find the small museum of popular art Sidi Mohammed Ben Adallah.

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